After Tax Reform, Is Estate Planning Still Necessary?

The new tax legislation raises the federal estate tax exemption to $11.2 million for individuals and $22.4 million for couples. The increase means that an exceedingly small number of estates (only about 1,800, nationally) will have to worry about federal estate taxes...

How Do I Protect Rental Property That I Own?

How Proactive, Comprehensive Estate Planning Can Help A comprehensive estate plan should address all of your assets. For most people, an estate plan must include three common categories: (1) your home; (2) financial accounts, like your checking and savings account;...

Getting Ready

OK, great!  You’ve finally decided it’s time to meet with an estate planning attorney and get your affairs in order.  It’s time to make sure your family is protected.  Now that you’ve scheduled the first appointment, what’s the next step?...

Funding your Revocable Living Trust

If you’ve set up a Revocable Living Trust, congratulations!  You’re definitely on the right track. But…you’re only half way there. Many believe because they took the time to create a Trust, their estate will automatically avoid probate....

The Many Needs for Life Insurance in our Lives

The main reasons most people have life insurance are to pay final expenses (medical, funeral, burial, etc.), replace an income stream and/or create wealth for our dependents after we die. Life insurance can also play an important role in business, estate planning and...